Mike Green Is a Defensive Liability For The Washington Capitals

Jamie Sabau/Getty ImagesSidney Crosby had Mike Green's number all night.

Mike Green got abused by Sidney Crosby in this contest. Green has always been known more for his offensive presence on the blue line, but he is going to need to hang with the NHL’s elite play makers if the Capitals are going to find postseason success.

The Penguin’s Power Play Is in Trouble

Jamie Squire/Getty ImagesThe Penguins are not making the most of their power play opportunities

Since the Penguins have come off of their incredible winning streak the power play has gone missing. Pittsburgh had multiple chances in this game with a man advantage and was not able to capitalize. They need to right the ship in order for the Penguins to get back to their winning ways.

The Penguins May Have Peaked Too Early

Jamie Squire/Getty ImagesDId the Pneguins peak too early in the season?

The Pittsburgh Penguins have really cooled off after going on a tear early in the season. They did not play physically at all in this contest and could not generate much offense on Washington’s defense.

The weather and conditions played a role in the sloppy play, but the Penguins gave the Capitals a serious mental edge heading into the second half of the season.

Bad Ice Makes for Bad Hockey

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

This may seem like common sense, but the terrible ice conditions made for a sloppy, slow, and anti-climatic game. The NHL takes a significant risk every year by playing a game outside, and the risk seems to have back fired this season.

Despite the significant efforts to put together a respectable and safe ice surface, the Penguins and Capitals were forced to play in conditions more suitable for pond hockey. It was a shame because this game had a ton of potential.

The NHL has been spoiled by great weather in past Winter Classics

Dave Sandford/Getty Images

It is no secret that the weather was a serious issue throughout the day. The bad conditions really slowed down the game and made the Winter Classic a little less special. Every year the Winter Classic is a tremendous spectacle, but the weather took away from the event this year.

Ovechkin Could Be Turning a Corner with His Play on a Big Stage

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Although it had more to do with a lack of tenacity on Pittsburgh’s part, Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals finally got the job done on a big stage. That being said, this was still a regular season game, and Ovechkin and the Capitals still have to prove themselves in the playoffs.

The Capitals Have Picked Up Important Momentum

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

After a well-documented losing streak, the Capitals have turned it around and seem to be picking up steam heading into the New Year. The Penguins came out completely flat in this game, and this may be the turning point in the race for the top of the Eastern Conference.